Back to Hogwarts

It’s almost here! The next volume of Harry Potter’s adventures, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, will be released this Saturday, and Potter fans everywhere are gathering to celebrate. If you’ve been enchanted by the series, attend one of these magical soirees. There’s no need to send an R.S.V.P by owl post. Just don your robes, grab a book of spells and join the wizards and muggles to await the book’s midnight arrival.

The Book Seller will host a “Midnight at Hogwarts” costume party. The series’ characters will be in attendance (played by the Foothill Theatre Company). Games and prizes will abound, and 10 percent of all advance sales will be donated to the school library of the customer’s choice. The party starts at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday at The Book Seller, 107 Mill Street, Grass Valley. Admission is free. Call (530) 272-2131 to reserve a copy of the book or for more information.

Join the Elk Grove United Methodist Church for Harry Potter Night. A Potter trivia contest, a coloring contest, an edible potion-making class, games and a screening of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone will pass the time until midnight, when the new book appears. The fun starts at 8 p.m. on Friday. The church is located at 8986 Elk Grove Boulevard. Admission is free. Call (916) 686-8303 for info.